As a professional genealogists, I try to understand not just where and when people lived, but also their lifestyles, biographies, and motivations. This often requires — or leads to — knowledge of antiquated laws, old political boundaries, migration trends, and historical social conditions.

If you want a complete picture of your family history and a comprehensive, professionally researched family tree that you can pass down to future generations, contact me today!

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By: Shari Hearn

I don’t know about you, but I’ve always been interested in my past. My way past, that is. That past that was even before I was born. Well, of course I’m talking about my ancestors. Those very people who had a part in making me who I am today.

It used to be the search for my heritage took me to the library where I had to spend countless hours combing through books seeking information about my ancestors. But, today, there are so many more resources available for genealogy research. Let’s take a look at three such resources you should consider, both high tech and low tech.

The Internet

The internet has certainly simplified genealogy research. You no longer have to take a trek to the library and sit next to someone with strong perfume or cologne to find information about your ancestors.

What kind of information can you find on the internet?

Surname Search

Birth Records

Death Records

Marriage Records

Census Records

Cemetery Records

Military Records

While searching on the internet you have the choice of using a paid service, or numerous free services, many specific to states or counties. For example, if you’re interest in Birth, Death and Marriage records for ancestors from West Virginia, you can go to http://www.wvculture.org/vrr and do a free search of their records. Many other states, counties and historical societies have similar websites.

Another way to utilize the internet is to visit genealogy communities or forums. Perhaps someone else is researching the same people, or knows someone who is. One such site is http://www.geocities.com/ohgenealogy/Index.html, where people have links to their personal genealogy pages, as well as a link to a genealogy forum. This site deals with ancestors from Ohio, but you can find similar pages for other states and countries by doing a basic internet search.

DNA Testing

Want to go even more high tech? Many people have turned to DNA tests to determine where their ancestors are from. A simple swab of the inside of one’s cheek (yep, just like they do on CSI) can yield DNA which will be compared with other’s DNA. Two types of DNA testing are Y chromosome testing (Y-DNA) and mitochondrial DNA testing. The Y –DNA tests look at paternal lineage while the mitochondrial DNA looks at maternal lineage.

Such tests can be used to determine such things as: which present-day African country you share your ancestry; which European maternal clan you share ancestry; percentage of Native American ancestry.

Oral History

From the extreme high tech to the extreme low tech. While it’s true some stories get distorted over many tellings, you still should talk to as many relatives as possible to get clues to your genealogy. Oral histories can give you information that no DNA test or records search will offer.

Oral histories, along with giving you information to then research through the internet, can also give you the family “color.” Oral histories make your heritage come alive and become more colorful. Maybe you have a horse thief in your family’s past. Now, nobody would want a car thief in their family now. But a horse thief in your family past who lived before the Civil War? Well, that’s just interesting.

Remember to organize all your information so that someday you can pass it down to future generations as well. You might want to purchase some genealogy software which can help organize and publish your information.

Remember, your past is a part of who you are today. Of course, your future is up to you.

About the Author

Shari Hearn is a writer and creator of DNA Paternity Tests where you can learn more about Genetic Genealogy

(ArticlesBase SC #128173)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - 3 High-tech and Low-tech Tools for Genealogy Research

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If you don't know the answers to these questions, but would like to, visit my website for more information about how my professional genealogy research services can benefit you.

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It doesn’t matter where your family history search leads, I will search every nook and cranny until I have traced your family tree to its’ roots.

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All it takes is a bit of curiosity and you're on your way to the hobby of genealogy and wanting to find out where your roots are hidden. Once you make the decision to start looking into your background there are some things that you should know that will make the process much more fun and enjoyable.

Many people make their first mistakes when they are doing a genealogy search. There are several places that you can start your search. One of the most common places to start is by looking at the published information that is available for genealogy on the Internet. There are many sources that you can look at to see if there is a listing of your family history.

Another good place to look for genealogy sources is joining a club or group that share the same interests. This way you'll have access to their information and records. The more sources that you have the better your chances will be to trace your roots accurately and efficiently.

Another good source of genealogy information is by using the repositories of records that are found at many large libraries. This is a great source to use since you'll be able to access all kinds of information such as birth records, death records, wedding dates, divorce dates, and many other records that were filed with a registrar's office. These records are public information, which makes them great for you to find out all sorts of information about your ancestors.

There are several pieces of software that you can purchase that will help you organize your family tree for genealogy. This software will help you to keep accurate records of information that will help you trace your history.

Source: http://www.articlecircle.com/ - Free Articles Directory

About the Author

James Hunt has spent 15 years as a professional writer and researcher covering stories that cover a whole spectrum of interest. Read more at www.genealogy-center.com

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I maintain memberships with the following Genealogical Societies:

• National Genealogical Society
• Lancaster, PA Genealogical Society
• Wheeling, West Virginia Genealogical Society
• Chicago, Illinois Genealogical Society

I have also attended numerous seminars and workshop and logged thousands of hours of genealogical research.

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discover your family tree

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Do you have family research stumbling blocks in your Genealogy search? Or perhaps you’re just too busy to finish your family history quest? I’m here to help! I will research any and all family trees and lineages. Professional Genealogists can be a great help as you trace your family tree. I am extremely persistent. I tackle each family research project as if they were my own, and I have never given up a search.

I research all areas, and I accept brick wall projects.

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